Key and son to see All Whites

John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key will take his son Max to watch the All Whites play Italy in South Africa next week - at his own expense.

"As All Whites patron for the 2010 Fifa World Cup campaign, I'm proud to have the opportunity to support the All Whites in South Africa," Mr Key said.

He will watch the All Whites' pool game against Italy in Nelspruit on June 20, before returning home on June 22.

"The province where the All Whites are playing Italy is very enthusiastic about New Zealand being there."

When asked why he did not choose a game that the All Whites were more likely to win, he said: "I just thought the atmosphere of the Italian game will be amazing."

Italy are the current World Cup holders and ranked fifth in the world. New Zealand is ranked 78.

Mr Key said he was realistic about the All Whites' chances.

"Getting there has obviously been great. They haven't been there for 28 years. We wish them all the best and we hope that they'll win, but obviously they're up against some of the best football nations in the world."

He confirmed he was taking his 15-year-old son Max with him "and I'm paying for it".

When asked if the All Whites were an appropriate name for a sports team visiting South Africa, which has a history of racial discrimination and white dominance, he said: "The All Whites, the All Blacks, you're in trouble both ways. I'm not responsible for naming sports teams."

South African Government officials were too busy with the tournament to commit to meeting Mr Key at this stage.